Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, was celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervour by the animal welfare organization Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA) on 28th March 2010. Mahavir Jayanti is being the most important day observation of the APOWA since its inception in 1999.
Special prayers were offered by the Kindness club members in the starting of the programme. Mr. Manoj Kumar Satapathy, teacher in charge of Kindness club, Ucha Siksha srama Arua Kadaliban was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr. Manoj who spoke briefly about Mahavir’s birth, childhood days, quest for truth highlighted the social reforms preached by him thousand years ago. Among others Mr. Bijaya Kumar Kabi, Director, APOWA recalled the teachings of Lord Mahavira. He stressed on his teaching of non-violence. He said the teaching of the Lord needed to be propagated. Lord Mahavira believed in equality of men. He taught peace and non-violence, vegetarianism to humanity. Apart from that Mr. Satyabrata Panda, lecturer, N.K. Mohavidyalaya was invited as the guest of honour. He also asked the participants to show kindness towards all living creatures. He also explained the nutritional values of vegetarianism. His speech was followed by Mr. Bijaya Kumar Rout, President, APOWA. He insisted the students to be compassionate towards animals and environment. He also asked all the participants not to use the leather products. All the staffs of APOWA were present at the programme.
The highlight of this programme was the wide range of enthusiasts. There were students from different schools were participated in debate and art competitions in the morning session on theme of ‘Lord Mahavir’. The prizes were distributed to all the participants at the end of the programme. At the end of the programme, each participant pledge to become a compassionate citizen.
Action for Protection of Wild Animals (APOWA)
At-Hatapatana, Po-Kadaliban, Dist-Kendrapara,
Orissa, Pin-754222, India
Tel-+916729 221908
www.apowa.org
(A student busy in art work on Lord Mahavir, on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti organized by APOWA)